My husband travels a lot. And not just overnights here and there. Five or six nights away is a shorter trip for him. And when he's away, meal times are some of the hardest. The easiest thing to do is just throw together PB&J's for every meal. But you know what? I just can't do it. Don't get me wrong. We eat MORE than our normal amount of PB&J's when Daddy is away! But putting a decent meal on the table is important to me. I feel like our week goes better if we still eat a little like we normally do. But its inevitable that EVERYONE will melt down right at dinner time, especially the baby. So what to do?!? (The Chinese for this is so much better--ζδΉε？) I figure others of you have this struggle too, so I thought I'd do a little post highlighting some of my go-to EASY meals for when Brian is traveling. They are also super kid-friendly to cut down on whining!
Tortillas are a MUST! I usually try to have a few batches of these prepped and in the freezer before Brian leaves. They are the base for most of our meals! If I don't have them made ahead, my 6 year old and I can whip some out during naptime. I roll and he flips! I also try to have some Oatmeal Wheat Bread in the freezer. If I don't, then I just buy sandwich bread from the store!! I just like not having to go out to get it if it isn't easy.
Easy meals with tortillas:
Cheese Quesadillas
Tacos with simple taco meat or chicken
Chicken Flautas (Taquitos)
Nachos-- make tortilla chips and then load them up and broil!
Easy sandwich meals:
PB&J of course!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup -- a favorite!
BLT's
Easy pizza-type meals:
Tortilla or Pita Pizzas
Pizza Toast and easy sauce!
Quick Basic Crust
Calzones -- as easy as it gets! And stuffing them is a great activity for kids to help with!
Easy Breakfast for Dinner ideas:
Pancakes --we do this a LOT!
Sausage Biscuits -- serve with eggs or fruit if you want!
Easy make-ahead meals:
Make some of these ahead and have them in the freezer to reheat!
Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti and Meatballs -- over noodles or in a sandwich roll!
Family Favorite:
Chicken Nuggets and a box of Mac&Cheese! (I usually check the import stores for some expired boxes on sale prior to Brian's trips!)
None of the above sounds super healthy does it? I try to keep fruit, veggie sticks, and Ranch dressing on hand to go with our meals!!
And when you just can't do it, TAKE OUT is a great plan and DELIVERY is even better!!
What do you eat when its just you and your kids?
Tortillas are a MUST! I usually try to have a few batches of these prepped and in the freezer before Brian leaves. They are the base for most of our meals! If I don't have them made ahead, my 6 year old and I can whip some out during naptime. I roll and he flips! I also try to have some Oatmeal Wheat Bread in the freezer. If I don't, then I just buy sandwich bread from the store!! I just like not having to go out to get it if it isn't easy.
Easy meals with tortillas:
Cheese Quesadillas
Tacos with simple taco meat or chicken
Chicken Flautas (Taquitos)
Nachos-- make tortilla chips and then load them up and broil!
Easy sandwich meals:
PB&J of course!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup -- a favorite!
BLT's
Easy pizza-type meals:
Tortilla or Pita Pizzas
Pizza Toast and easy sauce!
Quick Basic Crust
Calzones -- as easy as it gets! And stuffing them is a great activity for kids to help with!
Easy Breakfast for Dinner ideas:
Pancakes --we do this a LOT!
Sausage Biscuits -- serve with eggs or fruit if you want!
Easy make-ahead meals:
Make some of these ahead and have them in the freezer to reheat!
Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti and Meatballs -- over noodles or in a sandwich roll!
Family Favorite:
Chicken Nuggets and a box of Mac&Cheese! (I usually check the import stores for some expired boxes on sale prior to Brian's trips!)
None of the above sounds super healthy does it? I try to keep fruit, veggie sticks, and Ranch dressing on hand to go with our meals!!
And when you just can't do it, TAKE OUT is a great plan and DELIVERY is even better!!
What do you eat when its just you and your kids?
Crepes - ham and cheese on the first one (or anything savory) then let them have fun with the sweet ones - cinnamon, peanut butter and powdered sugar is our favorite.
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